As part of our paid partnership with Home Depot, they sent along several Bosch laser levels for review and testing consideration.
- GLL 2 self-leveling cross-line laser level
- GLL3-300 200ft 3-plane cross line laser level
- GLM400C4 400ft outdoor laser distance measuring
Of these, I am confident in providing an opinion on the GLL 2. The others are too beyond my wheelhouse for me to comfortably recommending, but seem to be well-regarded by users, and excellent in my initial tests. I’m still hoping to be able find local testing opportunities, but most of my current contacts do residential work, and the larger lasers seem better suited for commercial.
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Shown above is the well-regarded Bosch GLL 2 30ft self-leveling cross line laser level with clamp mount. We have talked about this model before, as it has become a regular holiday season special buy. Even now, it’s on sale for $40 at Home Depot.
An entry level model, the Bosch GLL 2 emits a red cross line at up to 30 feet, and it has an accuracy of ±3/16″. There is another model that’s often described on sites as being “newer,” but its accuracy isn’t as good.
With this laser you get the laser unit, and also an adjustable clamp. The laser can be used with standard photo tripods, and the clamp can be used to attach the laser level to poles and other such surfaces.
This is a very good first self-leveling laser level, offering reasonable accuracy and decent functions without costing a whole lot. You can switch between cross-line, horizontal-only, or vertical-only lines.
While not flashy with fancy features, the GLL 2 is a good buy. If you grow out of it, its small size and versatility can still complement more featured and longer range models.
Price: $40
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On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, you have the Bosch GLL3-300, a 3-plane cross-line laser level that can emit visible lines at up to 200 feet. This one is more suited for working in commercial spaces, given its range.
The GLL3-300 provides full 360-degree coverage, allowing for level, plumb, and square layout lines. With an optional receiver, the working range can be extended to 300 feet. Bosch says that it’s rated to IP54, which protects it from water splashes and dust ingress.
As with other laser levels, you can lock the GLL3-300, so that you can use it at any angle.
It comes with a “BM1” positioning accessory, which allows for all kinds of mounting options. It has a magnetic back, a height-adjustable base, 1/4-20 and 5/8-11 threaded mounts on the bottom, slots for screw or nail mounting, a clip for attaching to ceiling grids and raceways, and there are even retractable feet so that you can use it on the floor or other stable horizontal surfaces.
My initial tests show that it’s a robust and accurate laser level, although I have yet to find a room that’ll push it to its limits. This isn’t the type of laser that you would use in a residential setting, although technically you can.
The only downside is that the laser and its positioning accessory only come with a storage pouch for the laser. I think that most users would want it to come in a hard case of some kind. But, if it came with a hard case the price would be higher. By not coming with one, the user is free to buy a hard case of their liking, if they deem it necessary.
Price: $399
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How would you use a laser this powerful and featured?
Lastly, this is the Bosch Blaze GLM400C, an outdoor laser distance measuring tool, with Bluetooth connectivity and viewfinder.
It has an adjustable zoom and digital viewfinder, for finding the laser spot in sun-lit conditions, and a range of up to 400 feet. There’s an inclinometer, digital bubble level, and a slew of measuring functions, including real-time length, length, area, volume, indirection functions, and addition/subtraction. The memory can store up to 50 measurements.
Accuracy is ±1/16″, which seems amazing given the range.
The display is backlit, and easy to read, and in color. Bosch also built in Bluetooth connectivity, for working with the free Bosch MeasureOn app. It comes with sturdy-feeling soft case.
The GLM400C requires 3xAA batteries.
While I tend to use single-button laser distance measuring tools most often these days, I am increasingly seeing contractors with more elaborate models, including ones that download measurements to mobile devices.
What would you use this for?
Price: $229
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Generally…
I have tested a variety of Bosch laser levels over the years, and they have all worked perfectly. The hard part is matching up the type and power of laser level to the type of user or application. The Bosch lasers I have tested have all been reliable, accurate, and easy to use.
My go-to has been the Bosch GLL 55. It’s a cross-line laser that’s visible to 50 feet, accurate to ±1/8″ at 33 feet, and priced at around $150. If you can’t find the GLL 55, the GLL 50 is similar.
I have access to a green laser, and while green lasers have a visibility advantage at a distance, I’ve been happy with the mid-range red GLL 50 that I’ve been using. (Thank you Bosch!)
John S
I have a GCL 25 and I adore it. But there is one feature in all of these from Bosch that just really irritates me and thats when you use it for diagonal referencing or anything not plump. Like hanging multiple pictures in a 45 degree angle, if you tilt it to the correct angle it flashes the red laser light non stop to “warn you” its not level. Well of course its not and I understand the warning, but there is no way to turn that feature off and have it stay lit without flashing. It may seem nitpick but when you have it referencing an angle like up the stairs and it takes close to 45 minutes to get all the pictures etc lined up to the laser in between its flashes you’re left with a terrible headache. I do wish you could override this and I hope these new ones don’t do this.
Gordon
The GLL 2 I have will not flash if the lock is engaged. On the flipside, I find that the flashing is really annoying without anything to help you get it corrected. I wish they installed a small bulls-eye level to help you figure out roughly where it should be facing.
I also find that the “up to X feet” statements are extremely generous. I had trouble getting an accurate reading in my basement at 30 ft. The line was barely visible in the dark, and it was almost 3/8in thick. Outside, anything over 20 ft is almost impossible to see.
But for $40 it has been worth every penny. When I need a 3 axis model, I’ll definitely buy a Bosch.
Larry K
That’s why it’s best to look for the “Lockable Pendulum” feature on laser levels. You have to read the specs details since the general product descriptions rarely put that information out front. Lots of tradesmen complain about the exact same thing on the lower price Bosch red beam lasers and other major brands as well.
Wayne R.
With the “Bosch Blaze GLM400C” and its inclinometer – does it include trig functions like the TruPulse rangefinders? I use those for antenna height measurements.
Wayne R.
No, no it doesn’t. The inclinometer is only there to tell you if the thing’s level.
Rory
Considering the screen clearly shows the results of a trig measurement i would suggest otherwise.
Bosch have lesser models with the feature you need – so this will definitely do it.
from Bosch’s website: Inclinometer – shows the tilt angle, 360° for easy angle and ***indirect measurements***
OldDominionDIYer
The GLL3-300 is highway robbery! $400 sheckles is way outside of the true cost and just seems like gouging. Wow Bosch sure is high on themselves. I have a unit that does everything this does except I think it’s only good to 133′ that cost one quarter the price and it works great, not sure an additional 66′ is worth $300!! And mine came with a padded case that fits both the laser unit and the multi attachment base along with a spot for an extra set of batteries!
Joshua
What unit do you have? I’ve been looking into these lately and can’t decide which one to get so I welcome any other suggestions and feedback.
OldDominionDIYer
I purchased the Huepar 902CG and have found it to be an excellent inexpensive option, in fact for what I’ve used it for I can’t imagine what the extra several hundred dollars would get me. It regularly lists for about $159.00 but I got it on sale on amazon for $107 and change and am very satisfied.
Desert Rat
I mean, c’mon! Nothing new here, this game is played a million times on the forums. Junky Chinese knock-off is cheaper than offering from reputable engineering conglomerate. Next up: Why pay thousands for a TIG welder when HF sells one for peanuts, right? You get what you pay for, and I prefer quality, and will pay for it.
Oflannabhra
Would the GLL-2 be the recommended model to get for installing kitchen cabinets? I’ve got a pretty small project coming up and will need to pick up a decent level.
Jim Felt
I got that little GLL2 after Christmas at the Depot because I couldn’t find our bigger ones.
Guess what? It’s truly great to hang 40 pieces of art on a very high wall all by my lonesome.
Luckily I had a standard tripod handy to mount it and hold it steady for that rather long day.
For smaller spaces with controlled lighting I don’t expect to replace it soon at all.
Also bought a little three pack of pouches at the Big River for its two pieces and the Bosch measuring laser I keep around as well.
Ain’t technology wonderful?
Kent
$40 for only 3/16″ at 30′
That’s really not very good accuracy. I get that it’s cheap, but there’s no way I’d hang my kitchen cabinets and hope they are “good enough” being 3/16″ off.
Nathan
I bet with careful setup and check it’s actually more accurate than that. I find the accuracy statements on laser levels to be peculiar.
To that end. The 3 plane level would be nice to have but do they make a Green One – We use a Dewalt to lay out airplane paint jobs – biggest reason is becasue it’s Green and fully daylight visible at over 100 ft. Does Bosch make one like that, I assume they might.
On that distance device – it’s need but again at 300 ft outside I want a green laser. Does anyone make a green laser distance device – I’m not familiar with one. That bit aside I do indeed like the concept of color screen, and the easy to read. I don’t know I need 300 Ft distance like that but I’m sure others do. IE make one at 100ft and charge closer to 100 with the same features and I’d probably buy one for the house.
I would prefer if it kept the cost down – make a smaller device without a screen of any type – no buttons – takes batteries and uses BT to my mobile. Then mobile app does all the heavy lifting for compute and screen and whatever but the device is just an emitter/sensor. 99 dollars for something like that would make much more sense. Especially if I’m just going to need the mobile and app for data storage anyway.
PETE
I have the 3 line dewalt. I really wanted the bosch but the bosch dealer here in town is garbage. I stopped in a the dewalt store and the techs were nice enough to pull one out of the box and show me how to use it etc… so i ended up going with a dewalt. BUT…. i have heard that the dewalt once it is out of calibration it’s basically trash. It cannot be fixed. Kind of wish i would have gotten a hilti.
Skye
Bosch won’t repair them Dewalt will. I know because at work I use both and and have had need to replace repair both.
Also for what it’s worth I prefer the dwealt lasers but both are nice and to be fair the Dewalt is a newer nodel
Larry K
DeWalt plays this game on all their more expensive lasers. But few people even bother to check the calibration BEFORE using it with the instructions provided. These lasers cannot be recalibrated in a repair shop. The beam is fixed and either factory installed correctly or Not. All DeWalt does is say they’ll swamp you for another one if you’re past the HD or Lowe’s return time of 90 days. I’ve never heard of DeWalt giving refunds under warranty claims. A lot of guys are out there using lasers that are not accurate. Bosch is much different than DeWalt on these issues, as are other major brands like Johnson, Hilti, Milwaukee, etc.
Tony
For what it’s worth, the GLL 2 is on sale for $30 now
Skye
Wait what? You say:
“I have yet to find a room that’ll push it to its limits. This isn’t the type of laser that you would use in a residential setting, although technically you can.”
I’m scratching my head reading that I have and use an older version as well as a green Dewalt one for work. I’m a residential remodeler and I can say that they are the best tool for a ton of residential remodeling and duilding activities. Having the 360deg horizon means you can set it in the middle of a floor to cast a level line all the way around. A cross line won’t do that.
Also we do a lot of basement remodels. Having 2 360deg lines at a right angle to each other makes laying out walls very efficient, and allows us to identify challenges quickly.
I could probably sit here for hours listing off things I use the gll3 for that a simple cross line can’t do and I do mostly residential.
Stuart
The context being, if someone asks how well it works when remodeling say a gymnasium, or a large space, I am not prepared to answer that.
Residential space? Sure, I can see benefits of the full 360 coverage, but if you don’t need the range, there are less expensive models out there with 360 in at least horizontal plane.